Video recorder

Abstract

A tape indexing arrangement for video recorders records the index on the tape using standard broadcast teletext codes. When a tape is inserted the contents list it contains is written onto an index RAM in the recorder ( 200 ). When a new programme is recorded a programme identification is generated from PDC or EPG data ( 202 ). At a suitable later time the contents of the index RAM are recorded on the tape ( 204 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of controlling a video recorder according to the VHS standard, the video recorder including means for decoding data defining displayable text and/or control functions recorded on a tape as a multilevel code at a data rate lower than that of the original data and within the bandwidth of the recorder, wherein the data includes row and column address codes for defining cursor positions on a display screen of an associated television receiver and function codes defining tasks to be performed on initiation of a command instruction when the cursor is displayed at a given location, the method comprising the steps of reading data from the tape, positioning the cursor at a desired one of the defined positions on the display screen, and initiating the task to be performed using the function codes associated with the cursor location.  
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in    claim 1    in which the data is teletext data.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in    claim 2    in which the teletext data is as defined in the World System Teletext Standard.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in    claim 3    in which the row and column address codes and the associated function codes are contained in teletext packets X/26.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the function codes are arranged to cause one or more of the following actions: 
 selecting a teletext page number;    selecting the audio status;    selecting audio description channel;    selecting the video status;    causing a video tape to wind to a defined position;    causing a command to be sent to associated equipment;    selecting a data channel or service.    
     
     
         6 . A video recorder according to the VHS standard including means for reading and decoding data defining displayable text and/or control functions recorded on a tape as a multilevel code at a data rate lower than that of the original data and within the bandwidth of the recorder, the teletext data including row and column address information for defining cursor positions on a screen of associated display apparatus and function codes associated with the cursor positions, means for enabling a user to position the cursor at a desired position on the display screen, means for receiving command instructions from a user, and means for performing the commands using the function codes associated with the cursor position.  
     
     
         7 . A video recorder as claimed in    claim 6    in which the data is teletext data.  
     
     
         8 . A video recorder as claimed in    claim 7    in which the teletext data is as defined in the World System Teletext Standard.  
     
     
         9 . A video recorder as claimed in    claim 8    in which the row and column address information and associated function codes are contained in teletext packets X/26 read from the tape.  
     
     
         10 . A video recorder as claimed in any of    claims 6    to    9    in which the function codes are arranged to cause one or more of the following actions to be performed: 
 selecting a teletext page number;  
 selecting the audio status;  
 selecting audio description channel;  
 selecting the video status;  
 causing a video tape to wind to a defined position;  
 causing a command to be sent to associated equipment;  
 selecting a data channel or service.